Sec. 4. Fusion education and workforce coordination hub
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The Director, in consultation with the Secretary and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, as appropriate, shall make an award to a consortium led by an institution of higher education or nonprofit organization to establish a Fusion Skilled Technical Workforce and STEM Education Coordination Hub (in this section referred to as the Hub ). The Hub— shall not include fewer than four institutions of higher education, including not fewer than one junior or community college; and may include National Laboratories, labor organizations, nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities.
The purposes of the Hub are the following: To identify and address cross-cutting workforce development challenges in fusion sciences and engineering, and the fusion industry, by serving as a national and regional clearinghouse of relevant Federal programs. To facilitate the establishment of programs to disseminate to institutions of higher education and career and technical education entities model curricula, best practices, and instructional materials. The activities of the Hub may include the following:
Testing, implementing, scaling, disseminating, assessing, and standardizing materials, methods, open-source hardware and software, best practices, and other outputs developed through activities under this Act, including through the establishment of a publicly-accessible database and online portal. Facilitating post-education employment opportunities and workforce pathways in fusion-related industries, including by facilitating opportunities for internships, externships, continuing education and upskilling, and such other activities as determined appropriate by the Director.
Coordinating with fusion industry and non-profit entities to enhance the quality and availability of fusion education in STEM degree programs and skilled technical education programs, including through the promotion of post-graduation opportunities for STEM students outside the classroom to increase exposure to fusion industries. Supporting activities and programs to enhance the recruitment of students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies related to fusion and fusion education.
Developing, testing, implementing, and coordinating career development programs and strategies for pre-university and university educators for the purpose of increasing the number of fusion-informed educators at all levels of education, including by carrying out the following: Hosting career development workshops. Developing in-house and distance learning career development tools for public use. Facilitating access to related fusion technology, tools, and resources. Developing training, research, and professional development programs, including innovative pre-service and in-service programs.
Identifying and supporting education and training activities with relevant National Laboratories, including experiential learning opportunities. Facilitating relationships with State and local entities to increase awareness of and promote fusion-related career development activities at the Hub. Establishing a framework for performing ongoing regular data collection and analysis for the domestic fusion workforce to report on trends and perform other activities that expand the understanding of the current and future needs of the fusion industry, and education capacity or readiness of such workforce.
Facilitating public education and outreach activities to enhance the understanding and awareness of fusion to a broader community to satisfy broader impact requirements of award applications. Encouraging coordination on fusion education in the broader STEM community. Identify opportunities to partner with other industrial sectors, such as automotive research and aviation, to build a skilled technical workforce. In coordination with the Director, identify Federal funding opportunities, including grants, cooperative agreements, and fellowships, for non-Federal entities, including such entities from the private sector, to contribute financial resources or in-kind contributions.
The Hub shall coordinate with the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor, and other relevant Federal agencies, as appropriate, with respect to activities and resources under this section. A consortium seeking funding under this section shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. Each such application shall include a description of how the consortium shall carry out the following:
Contribute to the success of the Hub and fulfill the purposes of the Hub. Include industry participation in fulfilling the purposes of the Hub. Collaborate with other members of the consortium to share expertise in integrating fusion science, engineering, and technology into existing STEM programs and other relevant fields and disciplines. Support long-term and short-term fusion workforce development. Develop outreach activities to increase the participation of people in rural communities, women, and students from groups historically underrepresented in STEM.
The Hub is authorized to carry out activities under this section for a period of five years. An awardee may reapply for an additional, subsequent period of five years following a successful, merit-based review. Consistent with the authorities of the National Science Foundation, the Director may terminate the Hub if the Director determines the Hub is underperforming during the performance period.